As world leaders posed for family photos at the APEC and the G20 annual gatherings, U.S. media kept asking "Where is the U.S.?"
In one way, it refers to the diplomatic embarrassment when U.S. President Joe Biden either showed up late or missed the event, while in the other U.S. media were scrutinizing where the U.S. leader stood in the group.
For the APEC photo, Biden was the last leader to arrive. He stood in the back and got himself nearly off to the sight.
"This year, a few leaders stood out of order due to protocol errors but President Biden stood correctly in the United States' assigned spot," U.S. National Security Council spokesperson Sean Savett said as quoted by The New York Post.
"It's an embarrassment to our country... America is weaker," U.S. congressman Mike Lawler told The New York Post.
Biden's position was a clear sign that he was not taken seriously anymore, according to The New York Post citing another U.S. politician.
At the G20, Biden totally missed the group photo, as media reports said he was too busy talking with others to show up.
The failure of Biden catching the traditional photo time at the final G20 summit of his presidency can be attributed to timing, The Associated Press reported citing a senior Biden administration official.
"Due to logistical issues, they took the photo early before all the leaders arrived," according to The USA Today.
Produced by Xinhua Global Service■
